The Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested three men from Uttar Pradesh and seized four illegal pistols, two live cartridges, and a magazine during a targeted operation on 6 July 2026, days before the city's 149th Rath Yatra. The operation was part of a month-long security sweep to prevent illegal arms trafficking ahead of one of Gujarat's largest religious processions.

The Arrests and Seizure

The three accused — Rohit Jadon, 20, of Indrayani village, Bah tehsil, Agra; Bhola Tomar, 21, of Bhadroli village, Bah tehsil; and Shivam Sharma, 22, also of Bhadroli village, Agra district — were apprehended beneath the newly constructed Sarangpur bridge in Ahmedabad. Acting on specific intelligence received through a source, Crime Branch teams intercepted the trio while on patrol.

Police recovered four pistols valued at ₹1.70 lakh, two live cartridges worth ₹200, one magazine worth ₹200, and two mobile phones valued at ₹10,000, bringing the total value of seized property to ₹1,80,400. A case has been registered under Sections 25(1-B)(A) and 29 of the Arms Act.

What the Accused Told Investigators

During preliminary interrogation, all three accused stated they had travelled to Gujarat under the leadership of Rohit Jadon to sell the illegal weapons. According to ACP (Crime) Bharat Patel, who addressed the media, the weapons were allegedly intended to be transported onward from Ahmedabad to Mehsana and delivered to a man identified as Ashraf alias Asu Mulla, a resident of Visnagar Road, Mehsana, who had allegedly ordered them. Police said efforts are under way to trace the alleged buyer.

Rohit Jadon's Criminal Record

Investigators revealed that Rohit Jadon carries a substantial criminal history in Uttar Pradesh. He is wanted by Pinahat Police Station in Agra district under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. His record includes a 2023 robbery and receiving stolen property case at Basouni Police Station under Sections 394 and 411 of the Indian Penal Code; a 2024 case at Bah Police Station under Sections 147, 148, 323, 504, and 506 of the IPC; a 2025 case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; and a separate 2025 case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Uttar Pradesh Police have been informed of his arrest.

Security Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026

ACP Patel noted that the Crime Branch had been continuously patrolling Ahmedabad for the past one month specifically in view of Rath Yatra 2026. 'In view of the upcoming Rath Yatra 2026, the Crime Branch has been continuously patrolling the city for the past one month and actively working to detect illegal activities as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully,' Patel said. The three accused are set to be produced before a competent court for police remand as investigators work to establish the full network behind the alleged arms supply chain.